Missouri wrestling hosted the Black and Gold Scrimmage on Oct. 26 to give fans a glimpse of what to expect as the team rejoins the Big 12 Conference this season.
The Tigers are favored to win in the Big 12 after nine successful seasons with the MAC Conference. The NWCA Coaches Poll preseason poll ranks Missouri at No. 2 in duals and No. 6 in tournaments. The Tigers are currently ranked No. 3 in the preseason rankings, after No. 1 Iowa and No. 2 Penn State.
“It’s going to be tougher and harder, but I think that this team’s ready and looking forward to it,” freshman Trey Crawford said. “We’re excited to get back and be facing the best again in the Big 12.”
During the scrimmage, viewers saw many of the new freshmen in action, including Korbin Shepherd and Logan Gioffre, who both secured victories in one of their two matches.
“It was good to get out there and finally get on the mat, make weight and be in front of a crowd,” Crawford said. “I found some things I need to work on, and right now, it’s just focusing on those things and getting ready for North Dakota State.”
Since the 2020-21 season wrapped up in March, the Tigers have been busy. Junior Brock Mauller competed in the United World Wrestling U23 World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, after Arizona State’s redshirt sophomore Jacori Teemer couldn’t make the trip.
Two other Tigers made their international debuts over the offseason, as freshmen Rocky Elam and Keegan O’Toole competed in the United World Wrestling Junior World Championships in Ufa, Russia. They both returned to Missouri as junior world champions after winning in their respective weight classes.
The Tiger won their season opener, 37-3, in a conference matchup against North Dakota State in Fargo, N.D., on Nov. 11. The home opener will be against Northern Colorado on Nov. 14 at the Hearnes Center.
Crawford began his career with the Tigers against North Dakota State during the 2020-21 season. He lost 7-4 by decision to sophomore Kellyn March.
“It’s really cool to go back up there and start my second year the same way, and hopefully change the outcome from the last time I wrestled North Dakota State,” Crawford said.
Coach Brian Smith fosters what he calls “Tiger Style” through the team on and off the mat to create a team with solid leadership, confidence and commitment to each other. Smith is entering his 24th year as Missouri’s head wrestling coach and has brought the Tigers to their highest winning percentage in it’s wrestling history. As Missouri returns to the Big 12 Conference, Smith hopes to attain more accolades to Missouri’s strong wrestling history.
“It’s a really good team atmosphere that we have,” Crawford said. “It’s a big family, picking each other up, pushing each other and I think that’s why we’re going to do great things in the future. That is what Tiger Style is and what the team is.”
Edited by Mason Arneson | marneson@themaneater.com
